Exerciser



June 13, 1944. B. SAUNDERS EXERCISER Filed Dec. 27, 1941 mi] I III N INVENTOR.

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' Patented June 13, 1944 OFFIC nxmcrsnn Bertha Saunders, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application December 27, 1941, Serial N0. 424,567

4 Claims.

This invention relates to an arcuate-reciprocal exercising device which has the general form of a turntable, the top surface or platform of which is fiat, or substantially so, to receive the feet of a standing person. When the person standing upon the platform swings has or her body in hula hula fashion, the result is the awakening of lazy muscles about the legs, feet and waist as the turntable ricprocates in an arcuate motion. Such exercise of the waist of a person's body Vitalizes muscles seldom used and hence is conducive to relieving strain fatigue and the improvement of body lines. Obviously, the exerciser conditions the abdominal muscles, stimulates the blood stream and normalizes the body functions in general.

One of the principal objects of the invention is to present an improved body exerciser which is simple and sturdy of construction and economical to manufacture.

A further object is to present a disc-like exerciser which is firm in balance and gives long carefree service.

Other objects, advantages and features of my invention will appear from th accompanying drawing, the subjoined detailed description, the preamb1e of these specifications and the appended claims.

Applicant is about to illustrate and describe one of the forms of her invention in order to teach one how to make, and use the same, but it is to be understood that the drawing and description thereof are not to limit the invention in any sense whatsoever, except as limited by the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation showing parts broken away and in section.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a part of the invention',

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another part of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a modified form of a part of the invention.

The form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 to 4 has a base element I and a turntabl element, rotatable plate, or platform 2, the base being supported from a floor or ground surface by a plurality of non-skid button-like elements 3 which may be rubber. The base and. turntable elements may be plywood, plastics or any other suitable material.

The base has a central protrusion or boss portion 4 through which is a bore 5. This boss 4 extends into a hole or socket 6 of the plate 2. This socket has a shoulder which receives a large washer 'I through which passes the bolt 8. On the bottom of the base is a fibre washer 9 and beneath the slotted head of the bolt is an iron washer III. A nut I I is used so that the base and plate can be adjustably held together. A look washer, not shown, may be used between the nut and washer 9. Between the plate and base are large fibre washers I2 and I3. The washer I2 may be held to the plate by wood screws and the washer I3 to the base by a hollow rivet I4. The hollow rivet provides an opening through which a lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, may be fed to 1ubricate the sliding surfaces of the fibre washers I2 and I3. Obviously, the base I, elements 3, and the boss 4 are subjacent means of support for the rotatable plate 2 and so arranged that the plate will not noticeably tilt.

Fixed to the top of the base I, are a, plurality of spacer means runners or bearing blocks I4 spaced around the center or pivot boss 4. These blocks or fiat bearing units I4 may be cemented to the base and have smooth top surfaces. The blocks are means to provide some friction and may be metal, but hard wood has proven very satisfactory. Instead of these blocks being located between the center boss 4 and the outer perimeter of the base, they may be placed close to the outer perimeter as shown at I4 in Fig, 5. In circular alinement with the row of blocks I4 is a hol I5, and a similar hole I5 in circular alinement with the blocks I 4. The purpose of the holes I5 and I5 is to provide an opening through which a lubricant, such as petroleum jelly may be placed upon the under side of the plate 2 so that the plate will easily run smoothly over the blocks.

The blocks I4 and I4 provide stability to the rotatable plate 2, thus preventing vertical play between the plate and base with the result that the person using the exerciser can maintain a proper poise. To avoid slipping between a persons feet and the plate, the plate is provided with a non-skid covering I6 which may be rubber having an annular flange I1 and a plurality of raised portions I8. The covering is preferably cemented to the top of plate 2. Beneath the hole I5, there is a door I9 pivoted at 20 and having a finger grip 2|. This door has a vent hole 22 to avoid possible vacuum conditions that may exist between the plate and base.

Having thus described my invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. An exercising device having an upper rotatable plate means and subjac'ent means of support therefor, pivot means at the center of the plate means and subjacent means, spacer means at the pivot means fixed to one of the aforemen tioned means intermediate the plate means and the subjacent means and radially spaced from the pivot means, .and a plurality of bearing blocks spaced apart in a circular row intermediate the center and perimeter of the device to provide friction and stability to the device.

2. The device recited in claim 1 wherein the plate means is provided with a non-skid covering having depending flanges which terminate below the top surface of the subjacent means,

3. An exercising device having a disc-like form with short resilient feet to support it on a floor, said device comprising a base element and a rotatable plate element, fixed spacer means at the center of the elements and between them, said means being spaced from and surrounding the center of said elements, means at the center of the elements to pivot them together, and friction means intermediate the spacer means and the perimeter of the device to provide stability for the plate element.

4. The device recited in claim 3 wherein the friction means are flat units and form a track at the outer perimeter of the device.

BERTHA SAUNDERS. 

